Paul Maxwell

Paul Gale Maxwell, age 80, of Ramer, Tennessee, passed peacefully on to his eternal home while in Oklahoma on Monday, April 17, 2017 surrounded by his son, daughter-in-law, and the love of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2017 at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service. Paul was born on May 19, 1936 in Turnersville, Texas to U.D. Maxwell and Annie Lee Foust Maxwell, the fourth of five children. He grew up in Gatesville, Texas and was in the Class of 1954. On June 8th 1957, Paul married the love of his life, Dr. Annita Benningfield Maxwell, and had celebrated 51 years of marriage at the time of her passing in 2008. He was a resident of Waco for 12 years before moving to Woodway for the next 43 years. He spoke fondly of his youth, working with his parents at their laundry on Bridge Street in Gatesville to running the “reels” upstairs, and then hurrying downstairs to make popcorn at three of Gatesville’s then motion picture theatres. Both of which he had a passion for, he may be best remembered for his later work at Waco Ford Tractor, and then at Wales Industrial Service, until his retirement in 2008. He had a love for work but most important for Paul were his close friendships. Although a quiet man, Paul had a love for life and a strong dedication to those who shared his journey. His closest friend relayed, “If you look up the definition of friendship that would be Paul”. He would be the first to provide a helping hand to anyone in need, never asking for anything in return except for folks to pass on the same favor when someone else might be in need. As much as he excelled at work, he had a stronger love of family. From family weekend gatherings in Gatesville to later years of reunions, he retained a strong desire for family unity and values. Paul’s passing is a celebration of life. A wonderful span of 80 years by those he loved and those that equally loved him. Although only being a part of his life for 23 years, an Angel came back into his life and made Paul’s final few days so very special. He was truly blessed. For not only this Angel but all the Angels in Paul’s life… Oh, I believe there are Angels Among Us, Sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours To show us how to live To teach us how to give To guide us with a light of love. -Alabama, 1993 Meeting Paul in Heaven with open arms will be his wife, Dr. Annita Benningfield Maxwell; parents, U.D. and Annie Maxwell; beautiful sister, Gladys Maxwell Wright and husband, Ortis, who was like a brother; and brothers, Raymond Maxwell and wife, Olene, Mack Maxwell and wife, Nelta, and Bruce Maxwell. Paul’s spirit is carried on by his son, Michael Paul Maxwell and wife, Carla Maxwell of Ramer, Tennessee; granddaughters, Jackie Adams of West, Texas, Misha Pruitt of Jay, Oklahoma, Shyla Snyder of West, Texas, and Raven Maxwell of Ramer, Tennessee; seven great-grandchildren. Standing in honor are sisters-in-law, Kanita Maxwell of Gainsville, Texas, Laurita Benningfield Hollingsworth of Houston, Texas, and Laquita Benningfield Barton and husband, Joe of Lake Kiowa, Texas, five nieces; seven nephews; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, and a wonderful family of friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your church, Lions Clubs International Headquarters, 300 West 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842, or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.